Dear Chamber Member,
Here are your Friday Facts. Enjoy reading them, have a great Friday in these different days. Please support your fellow Chamber Members. If you have anything that you would like to put into the Friday Facts please send it to hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com by noon each Thursday.
Don’t Forget – Virtual Learning Event, which is free to all members, has one session remaining, next week (Tues). Here are details.
The City of Punta Gorda has produced notes regarding the 2020 Hurricane Season (including Tax Holiday information). In addition the City of Punta Gorda Building Division will reduce all building permit fees, residential and commercial, by 25%, May 26 thru Sep 30, 2020. www.cityofpuntagordafl.com
Please help our community to gather Business Info regarding COVID’s effect by completing this short survey for FGCU’s Business School.
We would like to thank Promotional Marketing Online (PPE available), Chelsea Place Senior Care, Kiwanis of Punta Gorda and Rotary Club of Charlotte Harbor (Creative Concepts) for donations of masks for our staff and visitors.
Once again some useful information from the U.S. Treasury Department, Office of Public Affairs – regarding PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Available.
Your Chamber Staff,
John, Hazel and Janet
Special Message from John Wright, President of Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce has re-opened its doors to the public. We are asking that all visitors have masks, and there is a new entry bell system that allows for one individual or family unit to enter at one time, so we can manage social distancing at its maximum. As well as the Chamber Offices, we also act as receptionist for the Executive Suites that are behind our offices, so we have worked with those business owners to ensure access to their offices, while maintaining a safe distance between visiting guests. Our offices are currently open Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm for those needing information, but we are also available 24/7 through our website www.puntagordachamber.com. Inquiries are starting to roll back in to the office and many of them are related to re-openings and if special protocols are in place at these businesses. It would be extremely useful if our members could email chamber@puntagorda-chamber.com to let us know that you are indeed open (and to what capacity) and if you have any special policies in place since you re-opened. We are finding that customers who know exactly what to expect when they arrive at your door are generally a lot happier about visiting you, in general. Getting your customers to regain trust is critical at this time. They have already gotten used to going to the grocery store and larger box stores: now is the time for small business to shine and lead the way forward.
Chamber Calendar of Events
There are no networking events planned for May 2020.
Business Over Breakfast and Business After Hours for June 2020 have been cancelled.
However, we are working on an in person networking event on June 30 (5.30pm to 7pm). Save the date and look for details in the Monday Morning Update next week.
Upcoming Chamber Events
(organized, run or supported by your Chamber)
City Wide Garage Sale will be held on Saturday June 13, 2020 at Comfort Storage, 8am to 12noon (registration at 7am). Call 941 639 3720 to register. Pre-registration IS required.
New Members
Mission Statement
To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.
Corrected information:
Allied Medical of SW Florida
Paul Webster M.D.
Elmer Toro M.D.
Amy Gonzalez – Nurse Practitioner
150 W. McKenzie Street, Ste 114
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-328-8980
info@alliedmedicalswfl.com
www.alliedmedicalofswfl.com
Medical Office
Sponsored by John Wright
Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business.
Partners in Action News
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum)
Enjoy plenty of fresh air and social distancing at T.T.’s Tiki Bar located on the water at the Four Points by Sheraton! We have a fabulous new menu that includes plenty of favorites from the past. Relax and listen to our live music. Our staff has taken extra steps to ensure that we meet the CDC guidelines for sanitizing and cleaning including everyone wearing masks. Our Dockside Grill is open inside the hotel at 25% capacity and drinks if you need a break from the sun. We are excited to serve our wonderful community again and look forward to seeing you! 941-637-6770. Staycation Information.
Bayfront Health (Platinum) Urges Patients To Not Delay Emergency Care. Virtual Childbirth Classes.
Rays (Gold) – Your Rays Weekly
Paradise Golf (Silver) – Casual Memberships 2021 for $99, then Golf Free this Summer!
Ribbon Cuttings
There are no ribbon cuttings at this time.
Member Information
Copperfish Books – is now offering appointments for shopping. As we move toward fully re-opening the bookstore, this step will allow us to limit the number of shoppers in the store and keep us all safe. Please see our website for more information or to book an appointment. www.copperfishbooks.com Last few days of the Children’s Book Drive, see how you can help!
The Orange House – Event Elements Catering Menu and Open for Take out TODAY!
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – Offer to all levels of Graduating Students.
Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – If you have re-opened your business but now face the prospect of pressure from your creditors, call Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill, to help you deal with them while you rebuild your business income. Having gone through four economic downturns as an attorney and small business owner, Mark can assist you in your restructuring and advise you how to avoid the fatal mistakes made by past clients in similar circumstances. For a complimentary, confidential consultation, please call 941-206-3700 or e-mail Mark at mmartella@icardmerrill.com.
Visual Arts Center – Doors Open with ‘Water, Water Everywhere’.
Right At Home – In Home Care and Assistance. We are Here for You.
Soul Dance Temple – Free Meditation YOGA this Sunday May 31, 2020 at 10 AM. Please RSVP to info@irenerimer.com to receive the online link for the class.
AAA – Attention First Responders! Please Share with those working on the FRONT LINES!
One Source Accounting & Tax – IRS Economic Impact Debit Cards.
C.A.R.E. – Is Open and Ready to Help Victims of Violence.
Fishermen’s Village – June Calendar of Events. Bluegrass Music Fest June 13.
John Bothwell P.A., eXp Realty – 4 easy ways to up your curb appeal.
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – You can save up to 30% on select pet food!
Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Botanical Gardens Open.
Gulfshore Opera – Take an Opera Break with GO!
Air Trek – Key West Package
Visit Florida – 2020 Hurricane Preparedness Resources.
Newsletters
ARCHway Institute – National newsletter.
Charlotte Arts – Newsletter.
Charlotte Community Foundation – Gifts & Gab
Florida Gulf Coast University – Pledges to help RESTART SWFL
FGCU Renaissance Academy Ft Myers – News.
FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – Pomp and Circumstance, Technology, Current Events & more
Gulfshore Opera – Spring Campaign opens with Gusto!
Punta Gorda Symphony – Good News
SCORE – New Resources. PPP Information. Real-Time Mentoring.
United Way of Charlotte County – You are The One!
Yoga Sanctuary – What’s Happening Next
Applause
Yah Yah Girls – Back Pack Kids
This group of volunteers, who are non-profit members of the Chamber, have delivered over 13,000 bags of food in the nine weeks the schools have been closed, to different locations. There are seventeen items of food in each bag. Our thanks to Jolene Mowry.
PGICA Welcomes Debbie Krider as new Executive Director.
We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Debora Krider, Ed. D., as she begins her journey as PGICA’s new Executive Director! Debbie joins PGICA after over 20 years of executive leadership in non-profit healthcare organizations. Her leadership skills include managing budgets in excess of $20M; fueling significant growth from both marketing and networking efforts; fundraising; developing and leading employee educational and training programs; and successful collaboration with both staff and volunteers to achieve organizational goals. Debbie’s educational background and executive experience will truly benefit PGICA. Her experience also affords Debbie with a deep understanding of how PGICA’s educational offerings and opportunities for community engagement support our mission.
Debbie infuses true heart into her work. She is a person who loves people and serving as PGICA’s Executive Director aligns with Debbie’s personal mission to “improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities as well as supporting them to reach their full potential.” As Debbie puts it, the opportunity to work at PGICA makes her “heart sing.” Debbie said, “I strive to develop great relationships with all stakeholders and to keep people engaged, connected, and bonded to the organization’s mission.”
Debbie earned her Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) with a focus in leadership, administration, and supervision from Northeastern University. She also holds a Master of Education in counseling and consultation from Keene State College and an undergraduate degree in teaching and counseling from Salisbury University. Debbie also achieved yellow and green certifications in Lean Six Sigma. Debbie and her husband, Mark, have owned a condo in PGI for over 10 years. When they decided to live here full-time in January, they moved into their current home on Via Tripoli. Debbie enjoys her rowing scull, riding her bike and taking walks with their Boston Terrier. You can reach Debbie via email at debbiekrider@pgica.org
Sincerely,
John Wright, President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
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